Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has made the decision to join UCLA’s coaching staff as the associate head coach/offensive coordinator, marking a significant homecoming for him. Bieniemy, who grew up in Southern California and previously served as a Bruins assistant from 2003-05, expressed his excitement to be back in the area where he attended high school and began his career in the NFL. While he had opportunities to remain in the NFL, Bieniemy ultimately chose to return to school, emphasizing the importance of timing and personal fulfillment in his decision-making process.
Taking on his first college coaching job since his time at Colorado from 2011-12, Bieniemy brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Bruins. His impressive track record as an offensive coordinator, including winning two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, makes him a valuable asset to UCLA’s coaching staff. With head coach DeShaun Foster seeking to establish an NFL identity for the Bruins, Bieniemy’s wealth of experience and expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s offensive strategy and recruiting efforts.
For Foster, who is embarking on his first season as a head coach without prior coordinator experience, the addition of Bieniemy is a strategic move to solidify the direction of UCLA’s football program. By bringing in a seasoned coach like Bieniemy, Foster aims to leverage his mentorship and leadership to navigate the challenges of transitioning to a new coaching role. Bieniemy, on the other hand, sees this opportunity as a way to support Foster’s growth as a successful head coach and to contribute to the development of young student-athletes on and off the field.
As Bieniemy transitions from the NFL back to college coaching, he joins a select group of coaches who have made a successful leap into the collegiate ranks. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O’Brien, and Kliff Kingsbury, who have all thrived in both domains, Bieniemy is determined to make a lasting impact at UCLA. Despite his departure from the Commanders and the misconceptions surrounding his exit, Bieniemy remains focused on the opportunity to coach at UCLA and to instill a culture of excellence and dedication among his players.
With his eyes set on the upcoming move to the Big Ten Conference and the challenge of recruiting top-tier student-athletes, Bieniemy is eager to generate enthusiasm and interest in UCLA’s football program. His proven track record of success in the NFL, coupled with his passion for coaching and mentorship, positions him as a valuable asset in shaping the future of the Bruins’ football program. As he embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career, Bieniemy remains determined to uphold his standards of excellence and commitment to personal growth and development.